Events
2026 Journalism Excellence Convention
Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for the 2026 Journalism Excellence Convention, Wednesday, Oct. 7, through Friday, Oct. 9, at The Central Hotel & Conference Center in Harrisburg. Held during National Newspaper Week, the convention brings together news media professionals from across Pennsylvania for three days of advocacy, education, recognition and celebration.
One of the convention’s many highlights will be the Professional Keystone Media Awards Luncheon, where we’ll recognize the winners of the 2026 Professional Keystone Media Awards. Be sure to plan for a full day on Thursday. Educational sessions before and after the luncheon will explore what news consumers value most about how newsrooms use artificial intelligence, as well as the evolving legal issues surrounding AI and journalism.
Download the Program – PNAF Keystone Awards & sessions only.
Cap off the day at PNA’s Evening of Excellence Reception and Dinner, a signature celebration of excellence across Pennsylvania’s news media industry. We’ll recognize this year’s News Organization of the Year winners, welcome the newest inductees into the PNA Hall of Fame and present the PNA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Benjamin Franklin Award for Excellence, and the News Media Industry Executive of the Year award. View the Sponsorship Opportunities flyer. For more details about these sponsorship opportunities, contact Bill Cotter at 412-925-0908.
Download the complete convention flyer.
Registration is closed. If we received your registration, you will receive a final confirmation email on or before October 6.
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Reserve your overnight room today – hotel reservation deadline is September 8. A small block of discounted overnight rooms are available at The Central Hotel & Conference Center. Reserve in the block by using this special link or secure your reservation by contacting the hotel directly at 717-561-2800 and ask for the “Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association” block. (Note: Guests cannot secure this block through Best Western International or through 3rd parties.)
The Central Hotel & Conference Center (where the event is being held) may have some rooms available, but, unfortunately, it wouldn’t be at our group rate as that deadline has passed.
Here are some other nice hotels in the area within a 15-minute drive from the event venue:
- The Hilton Harrisburg is always a great venue located downtown.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton
- Staybridge Suites Harrisburg Hershey by IHG
- Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel